Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen staying grounded to avoid post-Paris letdown
Sign up now: Get the biggest sports news in your inbox
China's Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen in her match against Amanda Anisimova at the US Open.
PHOTO: REUTERS
Follow topic:
NEW YORK – China’s Zheng Qinwen is refusing to let history repeat itself, as she hopes for a deep run at the US Open after claiming her country’s first Olympic tennis singles gold in Paris.
The 21-year-old has in the past followed big tournaments with sub-par showings, a fate that she would need to avoid if she wants to win her first Grand Slam.
Zheng cleared the first hurdle on Aug 26 as she battled back from a set down to defeat Amanda Anisimova of the United States 4-6, 6-4, 6-2 in New York.
“It’s the typical match I will lose, especially after huge success, because I know myself. Usually after huge success, I will get a little bit too high,” she said.
“So this time when I get a success, I’m telling myself, I don’t want to let this happen (again). I’m going to continue working hard, keep the stable mindset.”
The Chinese star is no stranger to stumbling soon after soaring in the biggest moments.
Her quarter-final appearance at the 2023 US Open was followed by a first-round exit at the China Open. And after reaching the Australian Open final this season, she suffered a sub-par performance at the Qatar Open.
After her victory against Anisimova, an on-court interviewer lauded Zheng’s Olympic achievement, but she was quick to say she was looking ahead.
“To come to the next tournament (after the Games), everything starts (at) zero. You are not any more Olympic champion. Just be humble and try to work, fight every single match. Because if you don’t fight, you have a big chance you lose,” Zheng added.
Anisimova had arrived in New York on the upswing. She was ranked 373rd in the world when she returned from a mental health break in January. But a run to the final at Toronto in August saw her return to the top 50 and gain a wildcard invitation into the main draw at Flushing Meadows.
“Every ball (from Anisimova) went inside in the beginning and I couldn’t do anything,” Zheng admitted, referring to the first set.
“As the match goes, I started to find my rhythm... Little by little I started to get into the rhythm.
“I’m really happy to get this match, because she’s really tough to face. Like you see, she’s in the final of Toronto. I think one of her best surfaces is on hard court.
“To (have) won this match means I make one step forward in my mental side.”
Zheng will next face Russian Erika Andreeva in the second round. REUTERS, AFP
